Padres bring back Michael King on reported 3-year, $75 million deal, with 2 opt-outs

The contract will allow King to re-enter MLB free agency after the 2026, 2027 or 2028 season.

Chicago, Illinois - October 02: Michael King #34 of the San Diego Padres pitches against the Chicago Cubs during Game 3 of the NL Wild Card Series at Wrigley Field on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Meg McLaughlin / The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images)
Michael King can decide when he wants his next MLB free agency. (Meg McLaughlin / The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images)
The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images

Michael King is going back to the San Diego Padres. How long he stays there is completely up to him.

The standout pitcher has agreed to a three-year, $75 million contract with the Padres in free agency, according to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand. The deal reportedly contains a $12 million signing bonus, a 2026 salary of $5 million, a $28 million player option for 2027 (with a $5 million buyout) and a $30 million player option for 2028.

So this could effectively be a one-year, $22 million contract, a two-year, $45 million contract or a three-year $75 million. It just depends on if King performs well enough to desire another foray into free agency.

This article will be updated with more information.

Category: General Sports